2008 Woodie Awards
Spotlight on...
Justin Wadland, reference librarian at the UWT library
Mathew Cobb
Issue date: 10/5/06 Section: Husky Voices
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Simply put, what exactly is a "reference librarian"?
Someone who can help students find information but also teaches them about sources of the information. Basically, a research helper. Reference librarians are there to help at any stage of research. We can help find difficult-to-locate information, such as government publications, statistics, etc., and explain how to navigate the internet to find information. We see ourselves as educators, we teach information in general.
What does your position mean to you?
While an English major, I met someone who worked in a library and thought it might be a fun job. Then in graduate school, I discovered the library provided an opportunity to teach others. The more I learn, the more I can be helpful to others. I'm participating in peoples' education. While public libraries serve all types of people from young children to the elderly, a school library serves a specific educational purpose.
What are the perks of the job?
I get to buy videos for the library. This provides me a knowledge of films, both current and past. I review videos as well, for a magazine called Video Librarian. This magazine aids contributors in collaborating on what to buy for their respective libraries. But the main perk is providing an educational purpose in buying films.
How important is the relationship between student and librarian?
The papers I wrote in school would have been better had I sought out a librarian's help. Students generally use the internet as a primary source for information. Librarians can offer information to go beyond one source. It's not essential for students to go to librarians, but the insight can provide more in-depth information and what that information means.
What is your most helpful tip about the library for new students?
Be aware that the library staff is there to help in the education process.
What about for returning students?
Taking time with research and getting the best information. Start early, if possible, on assignments. And ultimately, use the library for more than research.
Someone who can help students find information but also teaches them about sources of the information. Basically, a research helper. Reference librarians are there to help at any stage of research. We can help find difficult-to-locate information, such as government publications, statistics, etc., and explain how to navigate the internet to find information. We see ourselves as educators, we teach information in general.
What does your position mean to you?
While an English major, I met someone who worked in a library and thought it might be a fun job. Then in graduate school, I discovered the library provided an opportunity to teach others. The more I learn, the more I can be helpful to others. I'm participating in peoples' education. While public libraries serve all types of people from young children to the elderly, a school library serves a specific educational purpose.
What are the perks of the job?
I get to buy videos for the library. This provides me a knowledge of films, both current and past. I review videos as well, for a magazine called Video Librarian. This magazine aids contributors in collaborating on what to buy for their respective libraries. But the main perk is providing an educational purpose in buying films.
How important is the relationship between student and librarian?
The papers I wrote in school would have been better had I sought out a librarian's help. Students generally use the internet as a primary source for information. Librarians can offer information to go beyond one source. It's not essential for students to go to librarians, but the insight can provide more in-depth information and what that information means.
What is your most helpful tip about the library for new students?
Be aware that the library staff is there to help in the education process.
What about for returning students?
Taking time with research and getting the best information. Start early, if possible, on assignments. And ultimately, use the library for more than research.
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